GREEN-thinking Merseyside schools today have just one week to submit their Eco-Schools tokens – and be in with the chance of winning tens of thousands of pounds worth of energy-saving kit.

Twenty-three schools entered the competition with tokens appearing in the ECHO shortly before Christmas.

Schools with more than 500 pupils are competing for a £90,000 prize in the form of energy-saving advice and technology which could include solar panels, new heating systems, environmentally-friendly lighting and new insulation.

Schools with less than 500 pupils are chasing a similar British Gas prize worth £45,000.

The winning schools will become among the most energy-efficient in the country.

Staff and pupils at competing schools need to hand all their tokens to a nominated member of staff at their school. The staff member should then fix the tokens to “voucher forms” which can be downloaded at www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/british-gas-eco-school/

Schools should then submit all their tokens in a single batch to Rachel Street, Liverpool ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall, Liverpool, L69 3EB by 5pm on Thursday January 17. Alternatively hand the tokens in at the ECHO’s atrium reception in Old Hall Street.

The three schools in each category to collect the most tokens will be shortlisted for the final.

They will then be invited to the ECHO to give a short presentation on Wednesday January 23, telling us why they should win.

ECHO executive editor Andrew Campbell said: “We are delighted so many schools have chosen to take part and good luck to them all. It is important the schools submit their tokens by next Thursday.

“We look forward to hearing their ideas and, with British Gas, to helping the winning schools save the planet and save money on their energy bills.”